Police in Pitsea are inviting residents to join them for a bite to eat, as part of the nationwide Big Lunch event this Sunday.
Police Community Support Officers from the Vange neighbourhood policing team have helped to organise the event, being held at the Trinity Church, Clay Hill Road at 1.30pm.
Local businesses have kindly donated various items to support the community event, which everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
PCSO Helen Damiano said: “We want to encourage people to get to know others in their community, and the Big Lunch gives people the chance to talk to neighbours and local community heads that they might otherwise never speak to.
“Community spirit is key to building safe and happy communities, so we want to encourage everyone to come down with a bit of food and get involved. I am very grateful for all the local businesses that have supported us by donating items, and with their help it really will be a community effort in laying on a good day on Sunday.”
PCSO Damiano also believes it is a good chance to offer fun and support to the more vulnerable members of the community. She added: “People often forget that some of our residents may not have any family visit them, and can be quite isolated. We want to get them to join in and have company for the day, so if you know of anyone that can benefit from coming, invite them along too.”
The businesses who have already donated items are: Farmfoods, Hobbycraft, Tetley, Altons Garden Centre, MK Dhuna, Asda, Icelands and SUMA.
The Big Lunch is run by the Eden Project, with the support of a family of partners. It’s a one-day get together with your neighbours, held in locations across the whole of the UK on Sunday, 18 July 2010. It can be anything from a simple lunch to a full street party with DJs and a home cooked feast.